TESTIMONIALS 

“It was a great show, as always! We were happy to see old and new friends!” -  Roger Schroder, Car-Part.com

“The convention is so much more than the seminars; they are the icing on the cake, but the networking opportunity does it for me. The first time I attended a meeting, Dave Foster told me, ‘The people you meet there are going to change how you’re going to do business with me. I was skeptical, but he was right. I would never have met Beau Rutledge of CHR Services, who works on all our equipment. He has become an invaluable resource, someone who has been into many people’s yards and has an interesting view of their operations. The people who don’t attend are definitely missing out.” – Brian Parrish, Foster’s Auto Crushing

The FADRA show is a marvelous fellowship of professional auto recyclers coming together to share, educate, and grow within the automotive recycling industry. I can't go anywhere and buy a bottle of "This is the Best,” but I can go to FADRA and experience the best people and gain long-term, profitable, win-win relationships.
- Hal Hoke, Wolfpack Enterprises 

FADRA is in the top echelon of state shows in the U.S. We look forward to meeting with existing customers and developing new business in the great state of Florida. The convention and trade show are always well run and provide a number of activities for vendors to interact with recyclers. If you want to do business with recyclers in Florida, you had better have FADRA on your calendar for 2025.
- Katrina Hall, RAS 

This year FADRA celebrates 50 years, and I hope many will attend to visit with each other in Clearwater. It was nice to tour Green Star Recycling for the yard tour and see a modern facility. at the 2024 meeting The session topics this year were very educational for every yard to hear. Overall, the convention was one of the very best.” – Steve Holland, Brandon Auto Salvage

“FADRA puts on a very well organized and fun trade show. I always look forward to attending and I always come away with great memories. The themed Banquet dinner on Saturday night is always a good time!’ – Julie Cain, Buddy Automotive

"We attend most state auto recycling shows across the US and find the FADRA trade show to be the best attended, finding it very beneficial in staying in touch with our customers, meeting new ones, and staying up-to-date with the industry." – Jay Svendsen, Auto Data Direct 

“The FADRA Convention is truly a great way to meet and network with other businesses. My wife and I really enjoyed the experience; it is a family-friendly event and was a great way to shake hands with great people.” – Beau Rutledge, CHR Services 

“Attending the conference was an incredibly valuable experience. The speaker lineup was a Who’s Who of automotive dismantling and recycling and their educational presentations truly resonated with our team. I appreciate the opportunity for face-to-face interactions with industry peers. It’s moments like these that reaffirm the importance of staying connected and being engaged. So much value comes from the FADRA convention, and I can’t wait for the 50th anniversary celebration this year!” – Shan Lathem, Cocoa Auto Salvage

Sheraton Sand Key Resort

1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Explore Clearwater-St. Petersburg

If you decide to come early or stay beyond Saturday, there is plenty to do and see near the hotel area. Or your family can explore while you attend sessions.

Attractions

Sunsets at Pier 60, Clearwater Beach     

Within walking distance of the hotel, on each day before, during, and after sunset street performers, crafters, artisans, and the community gather on the boardwalk for fun and fellowship. 

St. Pete Pier   

The Pier offers hours of fun for all ages, including a splash pad, playground, walking paths, an open-air market, a nature discovery center, Spa Beach, and lots of dining options.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium  

Explore Florida’s diverse marine ecosystems in the aquarium, on a boat rides, and virtual reality exhibits. It is a marine research facility where you’ll find an animal hospital that cares for injured dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, otters, and more.

Sunken Gardens, St. Pete   

The city’s oldest living museum, you can see more than 50,000 plants and flowers, exotic parrots, flamingoes, and other animals.

John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, Madeira Beach   

The Village is a rustic collection of more than 100 fun shops, restaurants, and bars in wooden buildings that embrace their coastal roots – from fresh seafood to beach fashions--along the boardwalk in Madeira Beach. This is a great place to find jet-ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin-watching tours, and a pirate-themed cruise the kids will love.

Busch Gardens, Tampa 

One of Florida's premier attractions, with roller coasters and thrill rides, exotic animal encounters, and great food and drink. 

Cultural

 The Dali Museum   

Located in downtown St. Pete, you will see the amazing drawings and enormous canvases of the strange and wonderful surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The many exhibits and gift shop will enthrall and astound you.

Morean Arts Center      

Located in St. Pete, the Morean has a superb Dale Chihuly exhibit of creations in colored glass.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art  

The James Museum transports visitors through the rich and diverse heritage of the American West, from the cultural life of Anglo settlers and Native Americans to the region's natural wonders. More than 400 works of art evoke the spirit of a wide-open frontier from the early days to the modern American West.  

Central Avenue - St. Petersburg  

Starting at the beautiful downtown waterfront and stretching west, Central Ave. invites you to wander along its vibrant boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Walk through St. Pete’s Central Arts District, which boasts hundreds of murals.

Nightlife

Central Ave. Night Life   

Central Ave. is the place for hitting the best night spots. The 200 block is the perfect spot to bar-hop, from beloved dive Mastry's to chic Mandarin Hide to laid-back The Crafty Squirrel. Many feature live music. Craft beer lovers are definitely not left out, especially at Grand Central Brew House (2300 block) and Right Around the Corner Arcade Bar (2200 Block). As for spots to savor good wine, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe (2900 block) and Sauvignon Wine Locker (200 block) are your best bets.

The St. Pete Clearwater Beach Craft Beer Trail   

From Tarpon Springs in the north to St. Pete in the south, several craft beer bars form a highlight of the “Gulp Coast.” The closest to the hotel is Clearwater Social Brewing Company. Get the Passport 2.0 from the CVB.

Fine and Casual dining options:   

• The Wave Nightclub at Shephard’s Resort, Clearwater Beach
• The Palm Pavilion Beachside Bar & Grill, Clearwater Beach
• Jimmy’s Fish House & Iguana Bar, Clearwater Beach
• Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest rooftop bar, Clearwater
• Canopy Rooftop Lounge, St. Pete
• Tryst Gastro Lounge, St. Pete
• Woody’s, St. Pete
• Cask & Ale, St. Pete

The Great Outdoors   

You can go fishing on a local charter boat. In Clearwater, A Boat Day, Above Average Charters and the Calypso Queen go out daily. St Pete has several charters, including Allen’s Aquatic Adventures, Action Fishing Charters, Barracudaville Sportfishing Charters, Big Rod’s Charters, and several more.

For a golf outing, the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club and Mangrove Bay municipal course are in St. Pete. Both are championship-level golf courses. The Dunedin Golf Club and Copperhead Course at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor are also nearby.

For more information on local attractions, activities, and restaurants in the Clearwater-St. Pete area, go to the Visit St. Pete-Clearwater web site (link at bottom of page).

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater